Ayersville 48 Tinora 43

AYERSVILLE – Whenever these two teams get together, in any sport, you can throw the records out the door and expect a battle to the end.

A fantastic crowd at The Hanger in Ayersville saw another thriller in the series as the Pilots outlasted the Lady Rams, 48-43.

The Pilots came in winning the first contest this season, a non-conference match between the two squads at the Defiance Physical Therapy Classic back in December, 41-36. Overall, Ayersville led the series 31-30.

Although not a thing of beauty, the first half was certainly very interesting to say the least.

After the first quarter, which was dominated by Ayersville’s Ally Schindler, the Pilots led 11-4. Schindler entered the game averaging 8 rebounds per contest, she equaled that total over the first eight minutes of play.

The second quarter saw the Rams defense hold the Pilot attack to just five points, Ayersville took a 16-11 lead to the locker room.

Ayersville was paced at the half by Schindler’s eight points, the Lady Rams were led by Liv Mueller and her six.

The Pilots would score the first six points of the third quarter, jumping to a quick 22-11 lead. Tinora and the Lady Rams would battle back, eventually exiting the third quarter trailing 31-22.

Tinora’s leading scored Nova Okuley was held scoreless through the first three quarters. Okuley would explode for 10 points in the fourth quarter as Tinora would cut the Pilots lead down to 33-31 midway through the final period in a very physical game at The Hanger.

A few unfortunate bounces would land in the hands of the Pilots underneath their own basket, as Ayersville would rebound with four quick points, pushing the Pilots lead back out to 38-31 midway in the fourth.

The Lady Rams fall to 6-8, 1-3 in the GMC. Tinora travels to Holgate on Saturday for a Matinée, 12 pm JV tip. We will not be able to cover the game.

Tinora would supply great intensity on defense in the second half, unfortunately for the Lady Rams, they could not buy a free throw in the second half.

Liv Mueller, battled and bruised throughout, would scrap her way to 12 points for Tinora.

Ayersville’s Kaylee Dockery would score 11 of her 12 points in the second half for the Pilots.

A great second half from Tinora’s Dakota Sines also was huge in the Rams comeback attempt, Sines would bucket eight points.

The Pilots would eventually pull away for a 49-43 win over the Lady Rams.

Ayersville stays atop the GMC standings with Fairview at 4-0. The Pilots will travel to Fort Jennings on Tuesday.